Sluggish steering system - AF46.00-P-3000A

MODELS 168, 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230, 414 

Damage code	Cause	Remedy
	Information from customer:	For which steering condition/process is the sluggishness complained of? Around the center position or more towards the limit stop? When changing the steering direction or when turning the steering wheel back to the straight-ahead position? Description of the driving maneuver. When stationary (parking) or when driving (which driving conditions and speed)? Does the sluggishness depend on operating temperature (possibly after cold start)? Does the sluggishness depend on the steering speed/rotation speed? Has the power assistance failed completely or does the sluggishness exist despite hydraulic assistance (failure of speed-sensitive power steering function)? Does the sluggishness occur at times or permanently? Does the sluggishness differ left/right?
	Carry out general test/evaluation of sluggishness:  ↓	Check and oil level in reservoir
		If oil level is too low: ↓ 2 Locate leak.
		3 Check whether sluggishness can be reproduced.
		4 Check whether the customer is complaining about the current production configuration. Take comparable vehicle if necessary.
		Is the vehicle equipped with speed- sensitive power steering? If yes: ↓ 5 Check function.
		Only with model 168: ↓ 6 Check whether the actuation signal (circuit 61) of the electric power steering pump is present.
		7 Check the steering force against the steering wheel angle when the steering wheel is turned from the center position to the limit stop. Is the steering just as hard over the entire steering range, is the steering only sluggish in places or just before the limit stop?
	Specific test:  ↓	Evaluate the sluggishness using a comparable vehicle.
	General sluggishness when steering  Sluggishness is particularly noticeable when driving at low speeds (< 40 km/h).	The following basic conditions must be observed when evaluating the steering system: Vehicle model, standard Steering gear variant (standard/speed-sensitive power steering) Engines (front axle load) The road surface condition must be the same. Tire size/condition and air pressure.
		2 Check power steering pump. Check maximum pressure of pump when idling.
		If the maximum pressure of the power steering pump is not OK: ↓ 3 Remove/install/replace power steering pump
		4 Measure steering-wheel torque	SM46.00-P-0002A
		5 Vary the steering column position and evaluate in the center position and final position (vertical/horizontal). If changes are detected: ↓
		6 Look for the cause of the problem in the area around the steering column.
		Jacket tube boot must be greased (at engine side and interior compartment, boot for steering shaft and if necessary also outer side (model 220)). (Grease A 001 989 84 51 10, Klueber NCA 152 acc. to DBL 6834.10).	*BR00.45-Z-1046-06A
		7 Ensure boot is seated correctly and adjust if necessary.
	Specific test:  ↓ Steering is harder only for a short time	Evaluate volumetric flow.
	An insufficient pump delivery rate can cause the steering to become harder for a short time when the steering wheel is turned quickly.	Only when engine is warm, position "P" or when idling and no service brake actuation, the parking brake can be applied. An exact volumetric flow measurement with test values cannot be carried out. The steering speed is decisive for a hardening. Always turn the steering wheel evenly when evaluating the steering. A brief hardening when starting (approx. two steering wheel revolutions/second) of the steering wheel (below engine speed of 1000 rpm) is normal. Evaluation with comparable vehicle. The steering must not harden with normal steering (approx. one steering wheel revolution/second, below engine speed of 1000 rpm). The volumentric flow increases from idle speed up to approx. 1000 rpm and then remains at the pump-specific flow quantity If a significant hardening/actuation point of the steering is noticeable when steering at an engine speed above 1000 rpm, this indicates that the volumetric flow is inadequate.
	Specific test:  ↓ Inadequate steering wheel return after cornering	The following factors are crucial in ensuring that the steering wheel is able to self-center after turning (steering wheel return): ↓
	It is not possible to measure the steering wheel return (self-centering characteristics) after cornering, this can only be assessed subjectively (using a comparable vehicle is necessary).	Check tire inflation pressure
		Must be OK (according to manufacturer's specifications).
		2 Check steering column for unobstructed movement. Must not scrape at any point.
		3 Check jacket tube boot. Should be greased lightly (outside and inside) and seated correctly.
		4 Check caster. The greater the caster, the better the ability of the steering wheel to self-center after turning.
		The following components can also affect the steering return negatively when the friction is exceptionally high: Supporting joints. Tie rod joints. Suspension strut bearings.
		5 Check supporting joints, tie rod joints and suspension strut bearings for ease of movement.
	Cause 1:	Remedy 1:
	Joints/suspension strut bearings  Supporting joints and tie rod joints can be sluggish or jammed and prevent the steering wheel from self-centering after cornering: ↓	Check joints for sluggishness and remove/install/replace if necessary.
	Suspension struts can be sluggish and have a negative effect on both the steering-wheel torque and the steering wheel return. Usually noises can also be heard.	2 Check suspension strut bearings, remove/install/replace if necessary.
	Cause 2:	Remedy 2:
	Steering column/boot	Grease boot at seats and at outside diameter.
	If the boot is insufficiently greased at the seats (engine compartment and interior compartment side) and at the outside diameter (model 220), the steering may be sluggish and the steering wheel return after cornering may be inadequate. This is often associated with squeaking noises/sound of rubber.	Grease A001 989 84 51 10, Klueber NCA 152 acc. to DBL 6834.10	*BR00.45-Z-1046-06A
		2 Ensure jacket tube boot is seated correctly and adjust if necessary.
		3 Check that lower footwell paneling of steering column is seated correctly and adjust if necessary. So that the boot does not get caught in moving parts.
		If the steering is always sluggish at the same steering wheel angle or if the sluggishness changes when the steering column is adjusted, the sluggishness is probably caused by a problem in the area around the steering column (passage through firewall).
	Cause 3:	Remedy 3:
	Power steering pump	If the sluggishness is asymmetric (different on left/right), do not change the pump under any circumstances (the steering direction is irrelevant for the power steering pump!)
	Contamination can cause the pressure limitation valve or quantity control valve in the power steering pump to stick resulting in hard motion or lock of power steering support.	If the vehicle is not equipped with power steering: ↓
	This can be identified by an increase in the steering oil temperature.	Remove/install/replace power steering pump With electric power steering pump first check if circuit 61 is present.
	The power steering pump may also be the cause of the problem if the sluggishness is dependent on the engine speed (not with model 168).	If the maximum pressure is not achieved during the pressure test: ↓ 2 Remove/install/replace power steering pump
	Cause 4:	Remedy 4:
	Steering gear	Sluggishness due to a problem with the steering gear is not usually speed-dependent.
	Sluggishness caused by the steering gear can only be measured on a test stand and only after the steering gear has been removed.	If the actuation of the parameter valve is defective (if installed): ↓ Restore parameter signal, check wiring.
		2 Test control unit.
		If the parameter valve is defective (if installed): ↓
		3 Install new parameter valve	AF46.50-P-3600A
		If the sluggishness of the steering system is asymmetric (different on left/right): ↓ 4 Remove/install/replace steering gear.